ISLAMABAD, JULY 25 (DNA) – National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal submitted his reply in the Supreme Court (SC) in case pertaining to formation of 120 new accountability courts in the country, media reported on Saturday.

The NAB chairman took the stance that it is not possible to announce decision in corruption cases in thirty days and we are compelled to involve around fifty witnesses in the cases.

“The anti-corruption watchdog has repeatedly informed the government about the delays in trials due to excessive burden of cases and requested for formation of additional courts in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Balochistan.

“There are around fifty cases in every accountability court at the moment. Services of retired judges can be acquired to hear appeals if district and sessions judges are not available.

“Miscellaneous petitions by suspects and stay orders by high courts also cause delay. High courts do not follow the apex court’s rules regarding bails.

“The anti-graft body finds it difficult to explain the meaning of ‘political figures’ to international institutions due to wrong interpretation by courts. The top court has also barred the volunteer return of money. Many cases will not even reach the courts if it is allowed.” =DNA

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